Growth Motivation andPositive Psychology

Chapter 15

Holism And Positive Psychology

Self-Actualization

Two Fundamental Directions

An ever-fuller realization of one’s talents, capacities, and potentialities (Maslow, 1987)

Inherent developmental striving

Hierarchy of Human Needs

Growth vs. Deficiency NeedsGrowth Needs Deficiency Needs

Person feels a need to fulfill personal potential

Also known as self-actualization needs

Provide energy and direction to become what one is capable of becoming

States of wholeness, aliveness, uniqueness, truth, playfulness, and meaning

Physiological disturbances

Needs for safety, belongingness, and esteem

Like vitamins: without them, growth and development are inhibited

Deprivation= human sickness (a failure to move toward growth and actualization)

Encouraging Growth

Table 15.1 Six Behaviors That Encourage Self-Actualization

1. Make Growth Choices

2. Be Honest

3. Situationally Position Yourself for Peak Experiences

4. Give Up Defensiveness

5. Let the Self Emerge

6. Be Open to ExperienceIntimate and fulfilling relationships that support both autonomy and openness

Actualizing Tendency“The organism has one basic tendency and striving – to actualize, maintain, and enhance the experiencing self.” (Rogers, 1951)

Process of Actualization

Causality Orientations

GROWTH-SEEKING VS. VALIDATION-SEEKING

Validation-Seeking Strivings for proving self-worth, competence, and

likeability

Growth-SeekingStrivings for learning,

improving, and reaching personal potential

Vulnerability to mental health

difficulties

How Relationships Support The Actulalizing Tendency

How Relationships Support The Actulalizing Tendency

The Problem Of Evil

Positive Psychology & Growth

Outcomes

1. Fostering personal growth and well-being

2. Preventing human sickness from ever taking root within the personality

Building Of The Personal Strength

s

Positive Psychology & Growth

Three Illustrative Personal Strengths

Positive Psychology Therapy Gratitude visitWrite and deliver a letter (in person) of gratitude

to someone who has been kind to you Three good things in life

Each day, write down three things that went well and identify the cause of each

You at your bestWrite about a time when you functioned at your

best. Reflect on the personal resources that made that possible

Identify signature strengths Identify up to five personal signature strengths

and find a way to use each in a new way

Criticism